The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.As part of an ongoing series, each week Insider Picks features a product or store thats poised for big things. The subject of this week's "We're Obsessed" segment is a direct-to-consumer men's dress shoe company called Paul Evans.Thereare a handfulof direct-to-consumer men's dress shoe startupsthat have cropped up in the lastcouple of yearswe've even written about some of them beforebut each is focused on a different part of the $6 billion global men's dress shoe market.While Jack Erwin targets the affordable end of the shoe spectrum, Wolf & Shepherd seeks to draw guys in with comfort first, and Awl & Sundry goes after more fashion-forward consumers, Paul Evanscompetes onthe luxury end of the market, drawing comparisons to the likes ofBerluti and John Lobb in terms of style and craftsmanship. However, Paul Evans' cofounders,Ben Earley andEvan Fript, make the argument that theircompany's price point is much more attractive than the aforementioned luxury brands because of its direct-to-consumer business model.We're inclined to agree with them.CEO and cofounder Fript told Business Insider:[Paul Evans']goal from the beginning has been to help men everywhere step up their shoe game. And to do that, we had to go direct. There are plenty of brands out there that produce mediocre-quality footwear with retail price points up to $1,000; we didn't want to be another one of those brands.Our focus has been on creating very stylish, high-quality products produced in the finest footwear factory in Italy and selling them internationally and directly to our customers via our website.While Paul Evans' shoes are far from what anyone would call "cheap," they're an amazing value for the price you're getting them at, which is generally around $350-$400 for oxfords and loafers and $400-$450 for boots.That'shundredsless than what you'd spend on atypical pair of Ferragamos, but you wouldn't know that based on looks alone.That value extends farbeyond style, color, and price. As Manhattanites who walk everywhere, Earley and Fript have made comfort a primary focus as well. "What's the point of spending money on a product if you can't use it'" Fript asked us. "We have been focused on comfort from the beginning and construct all of our shoes using the Blake construction method. It's an Italian tradition and results in a very light, flexible, and comfortable shoe, plus you can get our shoes resoled as needed."Since launching the company in August 2013, Paul Evanshas come to offer 17 different shoe stylesranging from Italian calfskin leather oxfords and Chelsea boots to suede Penny loafers and chukkas. They've got guys comfortably covered no matter the occasion. And, if cared for properly, these styles should last for many, many years.Ifyou're in the market for new oxfordsfor work, or casual loafers for weekends, have a look at some of our favorite picks below. All signs point to Paul Evansbeing the rightinvestment.DON'T MISS:These are hands down the most comfortable dress shoes you'll ever wearSEE ALSO:13 essentials every guy needs for fallREAD THIS:A San Francisco startup crowdfunded its way to making some of the best bags you'll find on the marketThe Cagney Cap-Toe OxfordEvery man should own cap-toe oxfords for when he needs to wear a suit and tie.The Cagney Cap-Toe Oxford, $399.The Newman Chukka BootFript recommends a chukka boot for non-work events where you still want to look good, but don't want to feel too formal.The Newman Chukka Boot, $399.The Martin Wholecut OxfordForwedding season, Friptalso recommends owning a pair of Paul Evanswholecut oxfords to go with tuxedos.The Martin Wholecut Oxford, $399.See the rest of the story at Business Insider
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